[[Image:GroteMarkt.jpg|thumb|275px|Grote Markt in Leuven with City Hall.]]

[[Image:GroteMarkt.jpg|thumb|275px|Grote Markt in Leuven with City Hall.]]

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'''Leuven''' [http://www.leuven.be] is a dynamic and thriving city of about 92,000 inhabitants in [[Flemish Brabant]], [[Belgium]]. It's a true university town in which the town is more alive during the academic year (end of September till June), although there are a lot of events in Summer. The university, with about 30,000 students every year, is the oldest Catholic University in the world, founded in 1425. The historic centre is one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

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'''Leuven''' [http://www.leuven.be] is a dynamic and thriving city of about 95,000 inhabitants in [[Flemish Brabant]], [[Belgium]]. It's a true university town in which the town is more alive during the academic year (end of September till June), although there are a lot of events in Summer. The university, with about 35,000 students every year, is the oldest Catholic University in the world, founded in 1425. The historic centre is one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

It is also the ideal starting point to discover the rest of the country: [[Brussels]] is just around the corner, the Coast is only a 1,5 hour train ride away and [[Antwerp]], [[Bruges]], [[Ghent]], [[Liege]], [[Mechelen]] and [[Hasselt]] are nearby.

It is also the ideal starting point to discover the rest of the country: [[Brussels]] is just around the corner, the Coast is only a 1,5 hour train ride away and [[Antwerp]], [[Bruges]], [[Ghent]], [[Liege]], [[Mechelen]] and [[Hasselt]] are nearby.

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Travel time to Leuven is about 20' by car (with little traffic) and 13' by train.

Travel time to Leuven is about 20' by car (with little traffic) and 13' by train.

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More low-cost carriers arrive at '''Brussels South Charleroi Airport''' [http://www.charleroi-airport.be] but travel time to Leuven is considerably longer (1,5h). You can purchase a special bus+train ticket for € 11,30 that will enable you to take the bus from Charleroi airport to Charleroi railway station, and from there on to Leuven train station. There is no direct train link between Leuven and Charleroi; you have to change trains in Brussels. More information on the airport's website.

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More low-cost carriers arrive at '''Brussels South Charleroi Airport''' [http://www.charleroi-airport.be] but travel time to Leuven is considerably longer (1,5h). You can purchase a special bus+train ticket for € 11,40 that will enable you to take the bus from Charleroi airport to Charleroi railway station, and from there on to Leuven train station. There is no direct train link between Leuven and Charleroi; you have to change trains in Brussels. More information on the airport's website.

====By car====

====By car====

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It is advised not to start looking for a free parking spot on the street, since it's expensive and the many one-way streets can be a real maze when you're driving.

It is advised not to start looking for a free parking spot on the street, since it's expensive and the many one-way streets can be a real maze when you're driving.

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Note that the speed limit in and around the city is 50 km/h, or 30 km/h in certain areas. Your chances of getting a ticket when crossing the speed limit even slightly, are close to 100%, especially on the ring road.

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Note that the speed limit in and around the city is 50 km/h, or 30 km/h in certain areas. Your chances of getting a ticket when crossing the speed limit, even slightly, are close to 100%, especially on the ring road.

====By train====

====By train====

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* [[Ghent]] (1 hour) and [[Bruges]] (1 hour 20 minutes)

* [[Ghent]] (1 hour) and [[Bruges]] (1 hour 20 minutes)

* The [[Flemish coast]], with trains to [[Oostende|Ostend]], Knokke and Blankenberge (1 hour 30 minutes) and De Panne (2 hours and 30 minutes)

* The [[Flemish coast]], with trains to [[Oostende|Ostend]], Knokke and Blankenberge (1 hour 30 minutes) and De Panne (2 hours and 30 minutes)

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* [[Aalst]], [[Sint-Niklaas]] and [[Kortrijk]] to the West

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* [[Aalst]], [[Sint-Niklaas]] and [[Courtray]] to the West

* [[Aarschot]], [[Diest]], [[Tienen]], [[Sint-Truiden]], [[Hasselt]], [[Genk]] and [[Tongeren]] to the East

* [[Aarschot]], [[Diest]], [[Tienen]], [[Sint-Truiden]], [[Hasselt]], [[Genk]] and [[Tongeren]] to the East

The city has many special areas for cyclers and most - but not all (beware of police controls) - 1-way roads can be accessed in both ways for cycles. It's very easy and comfortable. Make sure to lock your bike to a fixed object or the bike will be stolen, it's sort of a sport among students. You can also rent bicycles. More information at the Tourist Information Desk (near City Hall).

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The city has many special areas for cyclers and most - but not all (beware of police controls) - 1-way roads can be accessed in both ways for cycles. It's very easy and comfortable. Make sure to lock your bike to a fixed object or the bike will be stolen. You can also rent bicycles. More information at the Tourist Information Desk (near City Hall).

* Visit the summer events '''Beleuvenissen''' (Every Friday in July), '''Hapje Tapje''' (First Sunday of August) and '''Leuven Kermis''' ''(Leuven Carnival)'' (September). The last weekend of July or the first weekend of August, M museum hosts a festival in cooperation with the cultural centre and Het Depot.

** Beleuvenissen is a musical and cultural festival on the squares in the city centre.

** Beleuvenissen is a musical and cultural festival on the squares in the city centre.

** Hapje Tapje is the one day in the year all bars and restaurants put stalls outside to promote their goods.

** Hapje Tapje is the one day in the year all bars and restaurants put stalls outside to promote their goods.

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* Cheer on the Leuven teams:

* Cheer on the Leuven teams:

** Oud-Heverlee Leuven Football Club [http://www.ohl.be]

** Oud-Heverlee Leuven Football Club [http://www.ohl.be]

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** Spotter Leuven Basketball Club [http://www.basketgrootleuven.be]

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** Bears Leuven Basketball Club [http://www.leuvenbears.be/]

** Leuven Chiefs Icehockey Team [http://www.ihcl.be]

** Leuven Chiefs Icehockey Team [http://www.ihcl.be]

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** Leuven Lions American football team [http://www.leuvenlions.be/]

==Learn==

==Learn==

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* Many Belgians enjoy french fries and snacks in a '''Frietkot''' if they're looking for a quick and cheap bite. Don't leave Belgium until you've tried it!

* Many Belgians enjoy french fries and snacks in a '''Frietkot''' if they're looking for a quick and cheap bite. Don't leave Belgium until you've tried it!

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* A cheap and tasty option is ''Kiekekot'' (Mechelsestraat 46, 100 mt North of the Cathedral; Mon-Sun 10-22; 0476 56 62 37 ); Çetin Simsek, a Kurdish-origin activist of the Flemish Socialist Party ''SP.a.'' will welcome you and provide with fresh beers and roasted chicken with herbs (5€ half chicken, 9€ whole chicken).

Smoking is not allowed in restaurants.

Smoking is not allowed in restaurants.

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* The area around the '''Tiensestraat''', where there are bars owned by student organisations:

* The area around the '''Tiensestraat''', where there are bars owned by student organisations:

::* <drink name="Café Belge" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Has a wide variety of Trappists, Abbey beers and special beers. In the day it is a normal cosy bar, during nighttime the bar is more filled with a younger and more progressive crowd.</drink>

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::* <drink name="Giraf" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">If you are a fan of shots, this is one of the places to be. With over hundreds of kinds of shots going from classics like a B52 to dared combinations like a Chilly Willy (drink at your own risk!), this is a perfect place to get a little buzz going. Giraf has been mistakenly associated with a left-wing crowd but when you enter you will immediately notice that this is a sad cause of prejudice.</drink>

::* <drink name="The Seven Oaks" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">located somewhat strangely in an alley, but with a great atmosphere and nice music. Lots of students. "Party hour" varies, but usually Seven Oaks is a safe bet after twelve if you want to have fun.</drink>

::* <drink name="The Seven Oaks" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">located somewhat strangely in an alley, but with a great atmosphere and nice music. Lots of students. "Party hour" varies, but usually Seven Oaks is a safe bet after twelve if you want to have fun.</drink>

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Most parties take place in '''clubs''' in the city centre (and require a small entrance fee, €2-€4):

Most parties take place in '''clubs''' in the city centre (and require a small entrance fee, €2-€4):

'''Larger venues''' are situated outside the city centre, and have a slightly higher entrance fee (€5-€9) and drinks cost a bit more.

'''Larger venues''' are situated outside the city centre, and have a slightly higher entrance fee (€5-€9) and drinks cost a bit more.

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* <drink name="Club Silo" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.silo.be/" hours="" price="">near the small port of Leuven, about 1,5km from the Station. Lively all year long on Friday and Saturday.

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</drink>

* <drink name="Club Room" alt="" address="" directions="about 8km from the city centre in the suburb Herent" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.danceroom.be" hours="" price="">Open on Friday and Saturday, offering theme evenings such as a gay-friendly evening every first Friday of the month. Take a taxi or a nightbus.</drink>

* <drink name="Club Room" alt="" address="" directions="about 8km from the city centre in the suburb Herent" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.danceroom.be" hours="" price="">Open on Friday and Saturday, offering theme evenings such as a gay-friendly evening every first Friday of the month. Take a taxi or a nightbus.</drink>

In general, there are no unsafe spots in the city best avoided. The streets are safe, even at night.

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In general, there are no unsafe spots in the city best avoided. The streets are safe, even at night, although you better avoid public gardens at night. Even though most of them have closing hours which vary throughout the seasons.

Of course, it is advised to take the precautions tourists are urged to take everywhere (eg. to avoid pickpocketing). If you have a bike, make sure it is secured with a decent lock as students tend to 'borrow' bicycles. Similarly, jackets left unattended in bars may be at risk.

Of course, it is advised to take the precautions tourists are urged to take everywhere (eg. to avoid pickpocketing). If you have a bike, make sure it is secured with a decent lock as students tend to 'borrow' bicycles. Similarly, jackets left unattended in bars may be at risk.

The city centre police station is located next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Don't hesitate to walk in if you have questions.

The city centre police station is located next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Don't hesitate to walk in if you have questions.

Police usually patrol by car and on foot, and most of the times anonymously instead of walking around in uniform (especially at night).

Police usually patrol by car and on foot, and most of the times anonymously instead of walking around in uniform (especially at night).

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Try to avoid the area around Sint-Maartensdal and De Bruul (located in between Brouwersstraat and Pereboomstraat). There are also some spots in the suburb Kessel-Lo which are better avoided at night.(Casablanca and Vredespleintje)

Beware that police are especially harsh on traffic violations (also the ones made on a bike!), violent behavior and public disturbance.

Beware that police are especially harsh on traffic violations (also the ones made on a bike!), violent behavior and public disturbance.

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[[World66:europe/belgium/leuven]]

[[World66:europe/belgium/leuven]]

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Revision as of 13:16, 26 September 2012

Grote Markt in Leuven with City Hall.

Leuven[23] is a dynamic and thriving city of about 95,000 inhabitants in Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It's a true university town in which the town is more alive during the academic year (end of September till June), although there are a lot of events in Summer. The university, with about 35,000 students every year, is the oldest Catholic University in the world, founded in 1425. The historic centre is one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

Lately, more and more tourists visit Leuven as the city has stepped up its efforts to make tourists feel at home.

You may find that the average age of the population drastically changes during the Academic Year, when it often seems only students stroll around the city. In general however, Leuven has everything to appeal to both young and old: A lively nightlife, interesting and sometimes stunning historic sites, the important and world renowned University and two seemingly endless shopping streets.

Understand

Groot Begijnhof, UNESCO.

The city has a long and interesting history, being founded probably in the 9th century. It was particularly interesting because of the location, at the river Dijle and close to Brussels. Most of the city was thrashed and burned to the ground by the German invasion in World War I, and was again damaged during World War II. The historic centre itself however has been preserved and historic buildings like the University Library have been restored, partly with foreign relief funds.

Leuven is located just east of Brussels (20km). It is the capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. This means it houses a lot of administrative services and the Province Building, where the province council is located. Its main industries are technology (due to the University) and beer. Important companies have their home base in Leuven, such as InBev and Imec

Leuven contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage) is part of the Flemish Beguinages. The Belfry on St Peter's Church is a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France. The University buildings and the Historic Centre are also on Belgium's tentative list to become a World Heritage site in its own right.

Get in

By plane

Land at Brussels Airport[24], which services Europe, America, Africa and Asia. The airport is quite busy and also has a lot of low-cost carriers.

There is a train and bus station on the Airport itself - follow the signs! Suburban trains to Leuven (a ride of 13 minutes) run every half hour on weekdays and every hour in the weekend. Taxis wait at the arrivals area.

Travel time to Leuven is about 20' by car (with little traffic) and 13' by train.

More low-cost carriers arrive at Brussels South Charleroi Airport[25] but travel time to Leuven is considerably longer (1,5h). You can purchase a special bus+train ticket for € 11,40 that will enable you to take the bus from Charleroi airport to Charleroi railway station, and from there on to Leuven train station. There is no direct train link between Leuven and Charleroi; you have to change trains in Brussels. More information on the airport's website.

By car

Parking Guidance System in Leuven

Leuven can be conveniently reached by car. The E40 highway runs from Brussels via Leuven to Liège, whereas the E314 highway links Leuven with the province of Limburg and with Maastricht and Aachen, at about 1 hour distance. The city has recently installed a Parking Guidance System that guides you to the larger parkings in the city centre. Look for the electronic signs on the city ring road.

It is advised not to start looking for a free parking spot on the street, since it's expensive and the many one-way streets can be a real maze when you're driving.

Note that the speed limit in and around the city is 50 km/h, or 30 km/h in certain areas. Your chances of getting a ticket when crossing the speed limit, even slightly, are close to 100%, especially on the ring road.

By train

Train Station in Leuven.

Leuven's railway station is one of the busiest of Belgium. There are frequent direct trains to and from:

Almost all cities can be reached by train through the Brussels North or Brussels Zuid/Midi hub.
Thalys and Eurostar trains depart from Brussels Zuid/Midi.

By bus

There are bus lines from the cities around Leuven (Brussels, Tienen, Aarschot, Mechelen, Diest and Wavre), but connections by train are usually faster and cost about the same. Buses are sometimes faster if you want to go to Herentals, Turnhout, Geel or other towns in the Campine region.

By taxi

Licensed taxi's have yellow-and-blue (or the older red-and-white) colors on top. They can be found mostly at the airport. One-way to Leuven usually takes 20' (if traffic isn't dense) and costs about €55.

Get around

Martelarenplein in front of the Station.

Fochplein, next to the St. Peter's Church.

The city has recently installed several new touristic road signs and city maps at several locations, which make getting around in the city a lot easier.
Don't be afraid to ask people on the street for information, as they are usually very open and helpful towards tourists - some will even walk you to your destination.

Public transportation

The public transport company De Lijn[26] has a number of bus lines through Leuven. Centre of their network is the Train Station and the stop at the Fochplein. Since distances are not that big, you won't really need public transport unless you're going to Meerdaalwoud, Heverleebos, Campus Arenberg' or the hospital Gasthuisberg. There is no subway or tram line.

On foot

When arriving in Leuven by train, walk to the Martelarenplein in front of the Station and walk down the Bondgenotenlaan in order to get to the city centre: the Grote Markt (Grand Place) where the tourist information desk is situated. Discover the rest of the historic city centre from there. Note that you can also take the Diestsestraat, which is a pedestrian-only street.

By bike

The city has many special areas for cyclers and most - but not all (beware of police controls) - 1-way roads can be accessed in both ways for cycles. It's very easy and comfortable. Make sure to lock your bike to a fixed object or the bike will be stolen. You can also rent bicycles. More information at the Tourist Information Desk (near City Hall).

By thumb

In the city centre, it will prove quite difficult to get around by thumb, since most streets and squares are car-free. If you want to thumb out of the city, pick a spot on the city ring road and hope for a quick pick-up. Be advised most traffic is local or headed for Brussels. The Koning Boudewijnlaan is a good spot as well, since it leads to the offramp to the E40 (Brussels-Liège) and the E314 (Limburg).

Remember to hold up a sign with your final destination, as most people will not 'just' pick up hitchhikers.

By taxi

Licensed taxi's can be identified by the blue-and-yellow/red-and-white symbol and can be found near the Fochplein and the Martelarenplein. Although you probably won't need one, given the perfect railway connection, they're probably the easiest way to get to the Airport, for example at night.

See

University Library on the Ladeuzeplein.

Castle Arenberg.

You can get more information about these sites and more at the Tourist Information Desk, situated on the Grand Place, near City Hall.

Gothic City Hall(Stadhuis) on the Grote Markt

The small port of Leuven(Jachthaven)

University Library(Universiteitsbibliotheek) on the Ladeuzeplein. Also has an interesting, huge sculpture of a dead beetle on a needle in front of it.

Fonske, the "fountain of wisdom", on the Fochplein.

Lakenhal, administrative centre of the K.U.Leuven.

Beguinage, UNESCO world heritage. (Begijnhof)

Park abbey[27](Parkabdij); 3km east of the city by the Geldenaaksebaan

Collegium Trilingue, near the Vismarkt

The Law Court, in the Rijschoolstraat. (Gerechtshof)

St.Peter's Church, UNESCO world heritage on the Grote Markt(Sint-Pieterskerk)

Castle of Arenberg, in the suburb of Heverlee (Kasteel van Arenberg)

British Military Cemetery De Jacht(Engels Militair Kerkhof); 5km east of the city

Old Market, filled with bars and restaurants (Oude Markt)

Botanical Garden(Kruidtuin) There are picknick tables in the South East cornerm left from the entrance gate.

War Monument for those who have fallen in WWI and WWII, on the Martelarenplein.

M, the new city museum, opened on 20 September 2009. It is located in the Vanderkelenstraat, close to the Ladeuzeplein and the Bondgenotenlaan.

Do

St. Peter's Church on the Grand Place.

Culture and Landmarks

Visit the historic centre, the University buildings and the St. Peters Church on the Grand Place. Information and guided tours can be found at the Tourist Information Desk.

Visit the Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Easily reachable by bus or on foot.

Visit the historical Kruidtuin (Botanical Garden), at Kapucijnenvoer.

You can go to the new city Museum M with a combination of modern art and work from the past centuries. Close to the Ladeuzeplein, in the Vanderkelenstraat. Artworks can also be seen in the St. Peter's Church and City Hall.

Leuven has a cultural organization called 30CC[28] that organizes all kinds of cultural activities around the year, for example in the City Theater on the Bondgenotenlaan. Less frequent during Summer.

A City Tour Bus leaves for sightseeing around the city from the Fochplein, situated right next to the Grand Place and City Hall.

Beleuvenissen on the Old Market.

Summer Events

Visit the summer events Beleuvenissen (Every Friday in July), Hapje Tapje (First Sunday of August) and Leuven Kermis(Leuven Carnival) (September). The last weekend of July or the first weekend of August, M museum hosts a festival in cooperation with the cultural centre and Het Depot.

Beleuvenissen is a musical and cultural festival on the squares in the city centre.

Hapje Tapje is the one day in the year all bars and restaurants put stalls outside to promote their goods.

Leuven Kermis is a carnival situated on the Ladeuzeplein and the Hooverplein (just next to it).

Visit the Jaarmarkt(Year Market) the first Monday of September: The entire city centre is transformed into one big market. Cattle is also sold in the streets surrounding the Sint-Jacobsplein, 500m from the Grote Markt, which is quite the spectacle. Schools in Leuven are closed for this occasion, so expect a lot of visitors.

Meerdaalwoud in Oud-Heverlee.

Green

Have a picnic in the Sint-Donatuspark in the city centre, 50m from the Ladeuzeplein.

Visit the Kruidtuin[29] or botanical garden on the Kapucijnenvoer, a side-street of the Brusselsestraat. The garden was founded in 1738 and is the oldest in Belgium.

Make a walk or have a bike ride in Meerdaalwoud or Heverleebos, the green lungs of the city in the suburbs Heverlee and Oud-Heverlee easily reachable by bike or bus (15 minutes). Many good walking paths. Some parts of the forest are still untouched. A good starting point are the "Zoete Waters" - a series of small lakes in Oud-Heverlee. Take bus line 337 at the Train Station and ask the driver to tell you when you've reached your destination.

Take a boat trip down the Vaart, the Leuven-Mechelen channel. Step aboard in the small port in Northern Leuven, 500m from the railway station.

Christmas Market on the Ladeuzeplein.

Markets

Visit the market every Friday on the Ladeuze- and Hooverplein, flea market every Saturday in the vicinity of the Grote Markt (Mechelsestraat), and flower market in the pedestrian-only part of the Brusselsestraat (the street leading away from the Grote Markt), every Saturday as well.

Visit the Christmas market[30] and shop for Christmas gifts, taste local specialties and drink a glass of Glühwein or brandy. Annually in December (2010: 10-19 December) on the Ladeuze- and Hooverplein.

Learn

Buy

The end of the Diestsestraat, near St. Peter's Church.

Shopping in Leuven is easy: you can pick one of the two main roads both starting at the Train Station and ending at the Grand Place, near City Hall and St. Peter's Church. Stores usually close around 6pm, and at 8pm on Thursday. Supermarkets are usually open until 8pm, 9pm on Friday.

The Diestsestraat is the most important shopping street in Leuven. It has been recently changed to be for pedestrians only for the total length of the street (about 1km!). This street also has two small shopping malls, one of them housing the Kinepolis movie theatres.

Look for smaller shops around the Brusselsestraat, Mechelsestraat and the Parijsstraat.

The Bondgenotenlaan also features a lot of shops, but is also the main road between the railwaystation area and the centre.

Leuven has a lot of clothing stores, jewellers, some fine bookshops and of course a few chocolatiers where you can buy genuine Belgian Chocolate.

Seasonal sales provide discounts up to 70% in January and July. Expect the city to be extremely busy, especially on week-ends.

Eat

In general, you'd have to really make an effort to find a horrible meal in Leuven. Almost all restaurants are tasty and relatively cheap, given the student population.

The Muntstraat, with a lot of cosy restaurants.

There are many good eateries and a great atmosphere (eating outside during the Summer is a can't-miss!) in the Muntstraat, very different styles from classical French Belgian cuisine to "Mexican", Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese. Consult the brand new website for more information.

More common, bigger restaurants can be found right next to City Hall on the Grand Place.

The area around the Oude Markt (Old Market) and Parijsstraat has many smaller restaurants and bars, the Old Market is sometimes called the longest bar in Europe.

The Martelarenplein houses a lot of restaurants and bars just a stone's throw away from the railway station.

Look for cheaper restaurants on the Old Market, as that's where the student population mostly enjoys their meal.

Try fresh North Sea Mussels, during their season (roughly August-March). Every year, you'll see the big signs announcing their arrival in front of many restaurants.

Many Belgians enjoy french fries and snacks in a Frietkot if they're looking for a quick and cheap bite. Don't leave Belgium until you've tried it!

A cheap and tasty option is Kiekekot (Mechelsestraat 46, 100 mt North of the Cathedral; Mon-Sun 10-22; 0476 56 62 37 ); Çetin Simsek, a Kurdish-origin activist of the Flemish Socialist Party SP.a. will welcome you and provide with fresh beers and roasted chicken with herbs (5€ half chicken, 9€ whole chicken).

Smoking is not allowed in restaurants.

Drink

Rock Werchter.

In Belgium, the legal drinking age in bars and cafés is 16 for beers and 18 for spirits.

Festivals

Attend the nearby and world renowned Rock Werchter [39] music festival in late June/early July, or Marktrock [40] in the city centre, around August 15th.

Bars and Clubs

Oude Markt, with over 45 bars and restaurants.

Leuven is truly a beer city, with the world's largest brewery Inbev being founded here. Try the many tasty beers, but beware, some have much higher alcohol levels than in the rest of the world!
Bars are mostly entrance-free and prices are relatively low.

You can visit the many bars around the Old Market every night, but expect a lot more ambiance on Wednesday and Thursday during the Academic Year, when the student population is in the city (late September - early December and early February - end of May).

The area around the Tiensestraat, where there are bars owned by student organisations:

Café Belge. Has a wide variety of Trappists, Abbey beers and special beers. In the day it is a normal cosy bar, during nighttime the bar is more filled with a younger and more progressive crowd.

Giraf. If you are a fan of shots, this is one of the places to be. With over hundreds of kinds of shots going from classics like a B52 to dared combinations like a Chilly Willy (drink at your own risk!), this is a perfect place to get a little buzz going. Giraf has been mistakenly associated with a left-wing crowd but when you enter you will immediately notice that this is a sad cause of prejudice.

Lapaz.

The Seven Oaks. located somewhat strangely in an alley, but with a great atmosphere and nice music. Lots of students. "Party hour" varies, but usually Seven Oaks is a safe bet after twelve if you want to have fun.

Larger venues are situated outside the city centre, and have a slightly higher entrance fee (€5-€9) and drinks cost a bit more.

Club Room, (about 8km from the city centre in the suburb Herent), [8]. Open on Friday and Saturday, offering theme evenings such as a gay-friendly evening every first Friday of the month. Take a taxi or a nightbus.

Hotel New Damshire, Schapenstraat 1, [16]. Cosy, somewhat business-like hotel about 100m from the Oude Markt in a quiet street. From €108 per night.

Theater Hotel, Bondgenotenlaan 20, [17]. Small and somewhat luxurious hotel ideally situated on the Bondgenotenlaan, 100m from City Hall and the Stadsschouwburg (Theatre Hall).From €99 per night..

Hotel Binnenhof, Maria-Theresiastraat 65, ☎+32 (0)16 20 55 92, [18]. Comfortable hotel situated at 300 meters from the railway station and in the neighborhood of the Ladeuzeplein and the arts faculty.From €90 per night..

ApartmentsInLeuven, Tiensesteenweg 246, [19]. Offers stylish furnished flats close to train station for as low as 28 euros per night.From €28 per night..

Budget

Youth Hostel Blauwput, [20]. The Hostelling International youth hostel in Leuven. It's very modern and new, with a bar, a lounge, a terrace during Summer.From €19,50 per night.

Leuven City Hostel, [21]. The brand new independent backpackers hostel in the centre. Nice and cosy, small hostel. Including breakfast and free coffee/hot chocolate all day. Free Wifi Internet available. Shared and Private rooms available. Beds from 18 EUR.

Many Bed&Breakfasts can be found on the official tourist site, [22]. relatively low price (starting from €30).

Stay safe

Leuven is a very safe and clean city, with very low crime records.

In general, there are no unsafe spots in the city best avoided. The streets are safe, even at night, although you better avoid public gardens at night. Even though most of them have closing hours which vary throughout the seasons.
Of course, it is advised to take the precautions tourists are urged to take everywhere (eg. to avoid pickpocketing). If you have a bike, make sure it is secured with a decent lock as students tend to 'borrow' bicycles. Similarly, jackets left unattended in bars may be at risk.

The city centre police station is located next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Don't hesitate to walk in if you have questions.
Police usually patrol by car and on foot, and most of the times anonymously instead of walking around in uniform (especially at night).
Try to avoid the area around Sint-Maartensdal and De Bruul (located in between Brouwersstraat and Pereboomstraat). There are also some spots in the suburb Kessel-Lo which are better avoided at night.(Casablanca and Vredespleintje)

Beware that police are especially harsh on traffic violations (also the ones made on a bike!), violent behavior and public disturbance.

Note that Belgium and the Netherlands have different drug regulations! Smoking pot (marihuana) is officially not allowed, although it is tolerated when done indoors. An adult can never have more than needed for 'personal use'. Expect any more to be confiscated if they are found by police and you risk being penalized.

Useful phone numbers:

Police: 101

Emergencies: 112 (can be used from mobile phones).

Local police: 016210611 (+3216210611 from abroad).

Stay healthy

UZ Leuven, late 2008.

Leuven has two larger hospitals.
The Academic Hospital UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg[41] is the largest hospital in Belgium and is located just along the ring road.
The Regional Hospital Heilig Hart[42] is located in the city centre. As always, dial 112 when you are in distress. You will be taken to either of both hospitals.

For smaller health problems, Belgians usually go to their family doctor, who are often in a group practice in city areas. Ask your hotel, hostel or guide for information on the nearest doctor. Going to the Emergency Room for small health problems will not only cost you, it will also take longer to get help (~45 minutes).

Leuven literally has a pharmacy at every corner. You can not buy medication in a supermarket.

Respect

Belgians don't like to talk about their income or politics, but they love to talk about beer and chocolates.

The Flanders-Wallonia question and the high number of separatist and extreme-right votes in Flanders are controversial topics.

Most people enjoy helping tourists, and a lot of people speak, apart from Dutch, also English, French or German (especially the students). Don't hesitate to ask locals if you have a question.

Throwing garbage or gum on the street is frowned upon - don't be surprised if someone talks to you if you do. You'll soon notice Leuven is a very clean city and locals respect this and try to keep it this way. Use the many bins.

Giving tips shows that you were content with the service given, but you are certainly not obliged to do so. It is sometimes done in bars and restaurants. Depending on the total, a tip of €0,50 to €2,50 is considered generous.

Leuven is a student city, and therefore has had a history of minor vandalism (garbage being thrown around, throwing beer cans) and public drunkenness. Lately, this situation has improved when talks between locals, student organizations and police were installed. Stewards now keep things organized and make sure the party is kept inside instead of in the streets. It is therefore advisable to keep a low profile in the streets at night, as police and stewards will act.

Get out

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